Jefferson Street bridge closure over the Des Plaines River

The Jefferson Street Bridge over the Des Plaines River in southwest suburban Joliet will be closed for bridge painting work beginning next week.

The bridge will be fully closed beginning April 4 with a posted detour directing traffic on eastbound U.S. 30 and eastbound Jefferson Street to Raynor Avenue, south to McDonough Street, east over the river to Chicago Street (Illinois 53) and back on to U.S. 30, according to a statement from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Motorists should expect delays and allow extra time for travel, IDOT said.

The project is expected to be completed in July.